Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is a gorgeous 30,000-acre United States National Wildlife Refuge, located along Florida's western coast near the city of Crystal River, approximately an hour north of the city of St. Petersburg. The refuge, which is overseen by the Crystal River Complex along with the nearby Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and the three National Wildlife Refuges in the Tampa Bay area, is home to the 23,000-acre Chassahowitzka Wilderness Area and is best known as the southern wintering site for endangered reintroduced whooping cranes. A wide variety of recreational opportunities are offered throughout the year for visitors, including opportunities for fishing, hunting, and nature photography. Though overnight camping is prohibited at the refuge itself, visitors can stay overnight at the nearby county-operated Chassahowitzka River Campground. Interpretive programming is offered for school and adult groups, including hands-on ecology workshops.
Address: 1502 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429, Phone: 352-563-2088
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